Q and A with our 2021 College Co-Captains

This week we introduce you to Laura Mitchell and Ellie Carter, our two College Co-Captains for 2021.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

How long have you been at Kilbreda College?

LAURA: Outside of school, I play hockey for St Bede’s Hockey Club which I find enjoyable as I enjoy the team environment. Before playing Hockey, I played Soccer for about 10 years. I like going for walks with my dog, Bailey, and catching up with friends. Sometimes I like to paint for fun or make cards.

I have been at Kilbreda College since Year 8 and right from the very beginning I have loved getting to know so many great people and I feel very grateful to have been given so many wonderful opportunities. I love to have a chat so please feel free to say "Hi" anytime!

ELLIE: I’ve been at the College since my commencement in Year 7 (2016). I love getting involved in school life and extracurricular activities where possible! I’ve been involved in the College productions each year and have loved being a proud member of groups such as the Senior Choir, Orchestra and String Ensemble.

Leadership is one of my greatest passions as well and I feel so blessed to have been given so many opportunities to get involved with leadership during my time at the College. I’ve loved being Class Captain, Middle School Co-Captain, a Peer Support leader and a soon to be 2021 College Co-Captain alongside my incredible, good friend, Laura!

I’m inspired by our school motto, ‘Strength and Kindliness’ and I strive to live out our core values each day, both inside and outside of the school gates. I love meeting new people, peers and staff and am always free for a chat or for advice. I cannot wait to see what 2021 brings for us all as a community!

What do you like most about being at the College?

LAURA: There are many things to love about Kilbreda, but I would say the number one thing is that I always feel supported and valued as a member of the community. Both staff and students are always willing to lend a helping hand and are always encouraging you to have a go. I always feel welcomed and listened to by those around me.

I am also grateful for the various leadership, sporting and language opportunities that I have participated in as I have been able to meet new people not just within the Kilbreda community but also people in the wider community and learn and listen from those around me. I think that most of these opportunities I would not have been able to experience if it wasn’t for Kilbreda!

ELLIE: The thing I like most about being at the college would have to be being a part of such a supportive, encouraging and caring environment. Being a part of our College community, which is genuinely committed to ensuring the wellbeing and growth of students and staff, is truly something I cherish about being a Kilbreda Girl.

The sense of unity is what makes me feel so connected to the College, and I can honestly say that this has been the case throughout my entire Kilbreda journey. There is always someone in the hallways willing to lend you a helping hand, offer advice or simply give you a friendly smile as you pass.

What encouragement and support did you receive to develop your leadership skills over the years at the College?

LAURA: When I came to Kilbreda, I felt encouraged to just give things a go. I think this has enabled me to work on my self-confidence but also grow as a person. I am grateful for the support that staff and students have displayed towards me in various leadership positions, whether that be providing me with feedback or advice or kind words of support!

Opportunities such as attending YLead Leadership Conferences, participation in the Taskforce initiative or working with peers from both my year level and other year levels as either part of the SRC, Middle School Leadership Team or as part of the Year 11 Leadership Team has enabled me to develop my leadership skills as I have been able to learn from others.

I look forward to working alongside Ellie, the 2021 Student Leadership Team and the College community.

ELLIE: Over the years at the College many opportunities have arisen surrounding leadership positions and mentorship on how to develop my leadership skills. I think being involved in a community filled with so much encouragement and support has inspired me to give everything a go and want to support and learn from my peers and other leaders.

Incursions and special guest speakers such as mentors from the yLead program, for example, have been pivotal examples of opportunities which have enriched my perspective on what it truly means to be a leader and the importance of leadership in all aspects of life. So many opportunities have arisen to get involved in leadership initiatives with positions open to girls of all year levels.

I’m so incredibly grateful for all of the encouragement from peers and staff over the years who have put in so much time to establish such a strong network of leadership within our College.

Why did you apply for the College Co-Captain role?

LAURA: I feel very privileged to have been given the opportunity to apply for the College Co-Captain role. I applied for this role as I enjoy collaborating with others to achieve a common goal or vision.

I appreciate my school and all of the opportunities that I have been given, so I feel as though I demonstrate pride in my school and feel very lucky to be able to represent my school whilst also providing opportunities for student voice.

ELLIE: I applied for the College Co-Captain role in the hopes of being able to support and motivate others to be the best versions of themselves, to be leaders of positive change and to embrace all the incredible opportunities our College has to offer.

Ever since I first began my Kilbreda journey back in 2016, I have always known I have wanted to be involved with the Leadership Team. Each year it has been a goal of mine to participate in leadership as I feel it is a part of who I am. Kate and Keely (2020 College Co-Captains), for example, have always been girls I look up to and it is their genuine passion and determination to lead which inspires me each day I walk through the gates.

What are your plans for 2021 and what do you hope to bring to the role of Co-Captain?

LAURA: My vision as a College Co-Captain is to "be there” to support our College community and ensure each individual's voice is heard, both staff and students, just as our former and current leaders have exemplified.

I believe that I always try my best to be empathetic and to be aware of others' feelings, as well as demonstrating respect. My appreciation for the welcoming and hospitable environment that Kilbreda provided me when I moved to the College in Year 8 makes me passionate for the inclusivity of others, both at Kilbreda and in the wider community.

My plan for 2021 is to provide opportunities for student voice and feedback on initiatives but also to promote our College theme for 2021, Wonder: Celebrating all that is good with joy and gratitude, and the fact there are many things for our community to celebrate including our tenacity, strength and perseverance as a community (especially this year!) and our thanks and gratitude to the society we live in.

ELLIE: As College Co-Captain, my vision would be to inspire and encourage peers from all year levels to follow their passions, to have pride in being a Kilbreda girl, to have the courage to stand up for what they believe in and know what they are capable of achieving. I hope to uphold and strengthen the unity of our College community and continue to build on the incredible work of our 2020 Co-Captains, Kate and Keely, two powerful, kind, inspiring leaders who I look up to so much.

Unity has always been a part of my vision to create positive change and to strengthen the bonds within our College community. I hope to be defined as a leader of integrity, of passion, leading by both action and example. I hope to make 2021 a year of success, encouragement and, of course, fun!

Laura Mitchell and Ellie Carter

2021 College Co-Captains

We thank Laura and Ellie for taking the time out of their busy schedules to assist with this questionnaire.

Andrea Halliday

Director of Development and

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